Sport
6 March, 2026
Marlin Coast wins FNQ title
MARLIN Coast Swimming Club has secured the overall Champion Club title at this year’s Far North Queensland Swimming Championships, edging out Cairns Stingrays Swimming Club by one of the smallest margins in championship history.
The championships wrapped up last weekend at Tobruk Memorial Pool, with more than 300 swimmers from across the region competing over two days in stifling conditions.
Fifteen clubs were represented, ranging from larger programs to smaller squads, including one club with just three members. Despite the heat, more than 250 heats and over 3000 individual swims were completed, with a wave of personal bests and multiple new national qualifying times recorded.
From the opening session, it was clear that Marlin Coast Swimming Club and Cairns Stingrays Swimming Club would feature on the leaderboard. In a rare dead heat, the two clubs finished equal on relay points, sharing the 2026 Champion Relay Club title.
However, it was Marlin Coast who edged ahead overall to claim the Champion Club title, with Cairns Stingrays finishing second and TAS Swimming third.
Edge Hill Swimming Club claimed the War Cry and Spirit Award, recognised for its energy and unity on the pool deck.
FNQ Swimming President Jason Salecich praised the performances and sportsmanship displayed throughout the weekend.
“The conditions were tough, but the championships were an outstanding success,” Mr Salecich said. “Every club, big and small, demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship and teamwork. I congratulate the winning teams, but equally the individual swimmers who achieved personal bests and secured national qualifying times.”
With attention now turning to April’s Australian Age and Open Championships on the Gold Coast, Mr Salecich said the region would be strongly represented.
“We have some exceptional coaching talent in this region and athletes who are prepared to do the hard work. Our season is structured to peak at exactly the right time. Swimmers will now enter their final training phase before tapering ahead of the biggest meet of their year.”
Looking further ahead, he said the region was working towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
“We’re working hard as a region toward that goal. Success at that level takes a village of dedicated coaches, parents making 4:30am starts, significant travel and financial commitment, improved infrastructure and exposure to elite competition. Swimming is one of the toughest sports in the country; you must be one of the top two in Australia at the time of qualification. But we believe the pathway is there.”
Clubs across Far North Queensland are now preparing swimmers for the national championships, with information about joining a local club available at: www.bit.ly/4bkKuJS
